Neutering is a process that removes the main source of testosterone, which affects hormone-related behaviors in dogs. As a dog parent, you play an important role in their recovery from this procedure. To prepare you for what happens after, this article outlines the behavioral changes that happen after neutering and when to expect these changes.
How Long After Neutering Does A Dog’s Behavior Change?
After the neutering procedure, the behavior shift in dogs can happen after six weeks. A male dog’s behavior after neutering can involve several changes, primarily driven by the decreasing levels of testosterone. Some dogs may exhibit a calmer temperament as testosterone drops within four to six weeks.
No need to worry; these changes don’t mean that your dog is sick. As your veterinarian, I’m here to guide you with caring for your furry friend as they experience these post-neutering behavior changes.
Post-Neutering Behavior Changes To Expect In Your Dog
The shift in behavior varies in dogs. A pet may experience changes even after six weeks. Here are the common changes you may observe in your dog after the procedure:
1. Aggressiveness
In some cases, a neutered dog might become aggressive right after being sterilized. This strange behavior happens because of the changes in their hormone levels or simply because of the discomfort after surgery.
Aggressiveness due to discomfort from the surgery is usually temporary, lasting three to five days after the operation. Hormonal aggression may spike one to two weeks later, although it could decrease over the next two to three months.
2. Marking
A decrease in marking behavior is one of the most noticeable changes in a dog. The removal of the testicles significantly reduces testosterone production, which is the main factor that drives the instinct to mark territory with urine.
While some persistent marking may continue for four to six weeks, the urge is drastically diminished as hormones stabilize.
3. Energy Levels
You can expect lethargy in the first week after the surgery as your dog may be in pain even during the healing process. As long as you follow a veterinarian’s instructions for post-operative care, you should see a gradual increase in energy after two to four weeks before your pet can enjoy more walks.
It’s common for a dog to experience lower physical activity levels and appear less active and disinterested in the weeks following the surgery. This lethargy can stem from the lingering effects of anesthesia medication, hormonal imbalance, post-operative pain, and discomfort at the incision site.
4. Eating Habits
Your furry companion may also experience shifts in their eating habits. This can impact their weight if not managed properly. Some pets may gain weight more easily due to lower amounts of exercise, so adjusting the diet by feeding fewer calories can help maintain a healthy weight.
Conversely, other dogs may have a temporarily decreased appetite within 24 to 48 hours following surgery. As your pet’s caregiver, I recommend the ideal diet and supplements until their normal drive to eat returns after five to seven days.
5. Grooming
The neutering procedure may trigger new grooming habits in a dog as hormones fluctuate and the surgical site heals. Excessive licking or chewing at the incision is common in the first week.
As testosterone decreases, pets may experience a change in coat texture, leading to more grooming to remove excess fur. The risk of over-grooming of the coat can cause hair loss or hot spots to develop on the skin.
6. Depression
Your furry friend may experience anxiety or depression for a week or two after the surgery. This might be caused by shifts in hormone levels due to the surgery.
With lower testosterone levels, pets may exhibit symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, and withdrawal, which are signs of depression in dogs. Symptoms may persist for four to six weeks until hormones stabilize.
7. Clinginess and Fear
A pet may feel lost and uncertain of their surroundings and need extra care and comfort from their owners. The male dog’s behavior might be like this for a week or two until it goes back to normal.
A dog may lose its confidence and authority, which can cause it to show fearful behavior around other dogs. A male dog’s attitude is often very territorial around other pets; this can change after the surgery.
8. Nausea and Uneasiness
Whether it’s spaying or neutering, the general procedure of removing the reproductive organs can make dogs experience nausea and uneasiness as they recover from the anesthesia and surgical trauma.
Remember that there’s going to be discomfort at the incision site. You may observe your dog being uneasy or nauseous for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
9. Sleeping Patterns
As dogs heal from the spaying or neutering procedure, their sleeping patterns can undergo noticeable changes. In the first three to five days after the surgery, it’s normal for pets to experience increased lethargy and spend more time sleeping as their body recovers from the anesthesia and surgery.
Some pets may seem excessively sleepy, while others have insomnia-like symptoms until their hormones level out. With proper rest, most dogs will eventually return to their typical sleeping routines.
How Long After Neutering Is Testosterone Gone?
Even after neutering, male dogs may continue to exhibit hormone-driven behaviors like roaming, mounting, and marking for four to six weeks as testosterone levels remain high. They can still potentially impregnate female dogs during this time frame. So, it’s best to keep them away from any intact female dogs in heat to avoid unwanted litters.
Neutering your dog can have a very positive impact on both you and your furry friend. During vet visits, I always make it a point to give pet owners a realistic image about their dog’s health in the weeks following the procedure.
What Is the Recovery Time of Spaying or Neutering?
Consulting with a veterinarian is best for knowing accurate timelines. A dog’s recovery period after spaying or neutering generally depends on factors like size, age, and whether it was a spay surgery (for female dogs) or a neuter procedure.
- A neuter is safe and less invasive than a spay, so neutered dogs start recovering within two to three days.
- Larger and older dogs (over three years) may take at least five days to return to normal after a neuter or up to a week after a spay.
- Spaying is an abdominal surgery, so female dogs tend to have a longer, more complicated recovery of three to five days.
- A senior pet over six years old can take up to a week to feel completely better, requiring more rest and limiting exercise initially.
Ways to Help a Male Dog After Neutering
Although a procedure like neutering is safe, your dog needs post-operative care from you and a vet, which is why my vet clinic provides aftercare instructions for a smooth and comfortable recovery.
- Limit physical activities, such as going on walks.
- Keep their surgical site clean and dry by changing the bandage at least once a day to avoid the risk of infection.
- Provide pain relief or anti-anxiety medication, if needed.
- Let your dog wear an e-collar to prevent them from licking or scratching the incision.
Why Should I Have My Dog Neutered?
Aside from controlling canine reproduction by preventing the possibility of unwanted litters, there are other health benefits your dog can experience after neutering:
- Neutering your male dog can reduce prostate problems, such as cancer or tumors.
- They are also less likely to have testicular cancer because both testicles will be removed.
- Neutered dogs have a reduced chance of acquiring perianal tumors found around the anus and testes.
- While this is not a substitute for dog training, the decreased levels of testosterone can lessen hormone-related behaviors previously mentioned.
Related Questions
What Are the Spaying and Neutering Differences Between Male and Female Dogs?
For male dogs, neutering removes the testicles and decreases testosterone production, reducing unwanted behaviors. For females, spaying removes the ovaries and uterus, eliminating heat cycles that can cause restlessness, anxiety, and a tendency to roam.
Why Is It Tough to Consider Spaying or Neutering My Dog?
Many pet owners have specific concerns about the potential negative effects of neutering dogs. These may include fears about their dog’s personality changing or risks associated with the spaying or neutering procedure.
Can I Use Pet Insurance to Financially Support My Pet’s Neutering Surgery?
Some pet insurance policies may cover a portion of the cost of this elective procedure. You could look into affordable wellness plans that bundle neutering with other routine care.
What Are the Warning Signs of an Infected Incision?
Frequent red spots, redness, swelling, and a foul smell discharge are common warning signs of an infected incision. Consult with my vet clinic if any of these happen to your pet post-surgery.
How Long After a Dog Is Neutered Does He Calm Down?
It can take two to four weeks for most male dogs to exhibit calmer behavior after being neutered as their testosterone levels drop. However, there’s still a risk of over-excitement or aggressiveness in the first one to two weeks.
Does a Male Dog’s Temperament Change After Being Neutered?
A dog’s temperament often changes after neutering. They may have reduced aggression, less territorial marking behavior, and a decreased interest in roaming once testosterone subsides.
How Long Until My Dog Acts Normal After Neutering?
Most dogs recover fully within five to 10 days after neutering surgery. However, it may take two to six weeks for hormones to stabilize and return to normal energy and temperament.
Conclusion
A neutering procedure can provide long-term health benefits for your dog. While they may show various behavioral changes after the operation, this is normal. It’s important that you help them during the healing process. Be patient during this transition period as your pet completely relies on you to help them recover. If you see anything that worries you, contact your vet immediately.
